Images of India - From the Taj Mahal to the Himalayas

Arrive Delhi where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day will be at leisure to relax and acclimatise after your journey. This evening enjoy an enchanting Kathak performance – a traditional Indian dance form. The performance is visible from every floor of the Haveli and takes place on weekends only. (N)
Accommodation in Old Delhi: Haveli Dharampura

After breakfast leave Delhi and drive south to Agra. The one-time capital of the Mughals, Agra, which stands on the right bank of the Yamuna River, is a city of contrasts. One of Uttar Pradesh’s largest cities Agra is dominated by three magnificent buildings – Agra Fort, the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula and the beautiful Taj Mahal – that hark back to its glorious past. This afternoon drive out of the city then walk to a beautiful setting which has fabulous sunset views of the Taj Mahal whilst enjoying high tea with delicious snacks. (B)
Accommodation in Agra: Ekaa Villa

Today explore the city with your guide. Agra was once one of the world's most majestic cities and today visit the imposing Agra Fort, established by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565, the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula and the iconic Taj Mahal, which was built by Shah Jahan as a memorial to his wife Mumtaz. This architectural masterpiece is world renowned for its beauty and excellent craftsmanship. (B)
Accommodation in Agra: Ekaa Villa

Today leave Agra and drive to Jaipur stopping en-route to visit Fatehpur Sikri, once the capital of the Mughal Emperor Akbar, and Abhaneri which is famed for its 8th century Chand Baori step-well. Stay for two nights in Jaipur, a vibrant city of bazaars, palaces, fine havelis and spectacular forts which was planned by Maharaja Jai Singh II in 1727. Later head to a local market where you will buy vegetables and spices that will then be used in a cookery lesson. (B)
Accommodation in Jaipur: Dera Mandawa
Upgrade option: Samode Haveli

After breakfast travel outside of Jaipur to visit Amber Fort – a Rajput capital for over 700 years complete with well-tended gardens, temples and private chambers of the Maharaja. In the afternoon return to Jaipur to visit the superb City Palace complex, Hawa Mahal and Jantar Mantar which is the largest stone observatory in the world. (B)
Accommodation in Jaipur: Dera Mandawa
Upgrade option: Samode Haveli

This morning transfer to Jaipur Airport and fly to Dehra Dun. On arrival you will be met and driven to Haridwar where you will stay in the heart of the city beside the River Ganges. Along with Rishikesh, Haridwar is an important Hindu pilgrimage centre and a site of the famous Kumbh Mela which is held here every twelve years. Haridwar is also the starting point for visits to the Rajaji National Park which lies to the east of the city. (B/D)
Accommodation in Haridwar: Haveli Hari Ganga (or similar)

At leisure to mingle with the sadhus and rishis in Haridwar and the neighbouring pilgrimage town of Rishikesh. Like Haridwar, bustling Rishikesh is set along the banks of the River Ganges. Best known for its ashrams and gurus, this holy town remains an important stopping point for pilgrims on their way to higher Himalayan shrines. (B/D)
Accommodation in Haridwar: Haveli Hari Ganga (or similar)

Today travel by road to Corbett National Park and stay three nights at Jim's Jungle Retreat which is located to the southeast of the reserve close to Ramnagar. Established in 1935, this is India's oldest and best-known wildlife sanctuary. Corbett is named after the hunter-turned-conservationist and author Jim Corbett who lived in the area for many years and who wrote the legendary book ‘Man Eaters of Kumaon’. Later there will be an opportunity for birding or to take a village, flora and fauna guided walk. (B/D)
Accommodation in Corbett: Jim's Jungle Retreat (or similar)

Situated along a valley of the Ramganga River and bordered by the Himalayan foothills, Corbett encompasses a varied terrain ranging from savannah grassland to deciduous forest. The park also supports a remarkable variety of wildlife including elephant and bear, leopard and tiger and is home to an astonishing 600 species of birds. Wildlife viewing at Corbett is undertaken by shared jeep and today visit the park at sunrise and sunset. (B/L/D)
Accommodation in Corbett: Jim's Jungle Retreat (or similar)

After breakfast leave Corbett and continue your journey stopping en-route to visit the old Raj hill town of Ranikhet. Stay for three nights at the delightful Mary Budden Estate, a charming homestay set within the Binsar Sanctuary - a celebrated haven for Himalayan wildlife and birds. Alternatively stay outside of Almora at the Kalmatia Sangam Himalayan Resort which is nestled in the heart of the Kumaon Hills. (B/L/D)
Accommodation in Binsar: Mary Budden Estate (or similar)

Over the next two days relax and explore the surrounding area. There are numerous walks and treks to enjoy and many offer some excellent views of the Himalayas. This is a truly beautiful region home to picturesque wooden villages, terraced fields, waterfalls and pine, cedar, oak and rhododendron forests. The Binsar Sanctuary and Almora, with their interesting shops, can also be explored. (B/L/D)
Accommodation in Binsar: Mary Budden Estate (or similar)

After breakfast leave Binsar and drive to Pantnagar Airport in good time to catch the flight to Delhi. On arrival you will be met and taken to your hotel where you will stay for the next two nights. Delhi is India's capital and a city of contrasts. Old Delhi is an historic district of grand mosques, bustling bazaars and majestic forts. It was the heart of Muslim India between the 17th and 19th centuries. New Delhi, in contrast, is a city of large government buildings, wide tree-lined avenues and pretty white-washed bungalows. Today it remains the epicentre of Indian political power. (B)
Accommodation in New Delhi: Claridges Hotel

This morning embark on a guided tour of Old Delhi to explore the area's dense network of bustling alleyways, homes, bazaars and mosques. Start by visiting the famous market of Chandni Chowk, beautiful Jama Masjid mosque and the crumbling Red Fort. Continue to New Delhi int the afternoon which is home to Rashtrapati Bhawan, the official residence of the Indian President, Rajpath and the iconic India Gate. (B)
Accommodation in New Delhi: Claridges Hotel